Instagram expands from mobile to web

Kate Taylor, 6th November 2012

Let's face it, nobody can ever see enough sepia-tinted photos of somebody else's vacation, which is why Instagram is making it easier to share them by launching web profiles.

Now, users can share their pictures from the web, rather than through the mobile app only, a move the company says users have clamored for. It's still not possible, though, to upload photos or sign up for an account from the web.

The new profiles will be rolled out over the next few days.

"Your web profile features a selection of your recently shared photographs just above your profile photo and bio, giving others a snapshot of the photos you share on Instagram," says the company on its blog.

"In addition, you can follow users, comment & like photos and edit your profile easily and directly from the web. It’s a beautiful new way to share your Instagram photos!"

The profiles look a lot like Facebook ones, and can be shared with anyone you want to see your cat, baby or any other photos you've ever shared. The photos shown on the profile are randomly selected, says Instagram, and can't be changed by the user.

If your photos are set to public, anyone - Instagram user or not - will be able to see your profile by visiting instagram.com/[your username] on the web. If they're set to private, photos will be visible only to logged-in Instagram users you’ve allowed to follow you. It's also possible to block individual viewers.